Better to get flu shot sooner, not later

By Allen Jones

Updated 6:13 pm, Monday, October 17, 2016

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Maria Aguilera, medical assistant at SAI Primary Care, gives a flu shot to David Pearson during a Sept. 10 health fair in Manvel. Pearson, a volunteer at the health fair, was among 115 people that received free flu shots. Shots are available at some local clincs, and health officials advise residents to get them early in the flu season. less

Maria Aguilera, medical assistant at SAI Primary Care, gives a flu shot to David Pearson during a Sept. 10 health fair in Manvel. Pearson, a volunteer at the health fair, was among 115 people that received ... more

Better to get flu shot sooner, not later

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With the flu season underway, area medical experts say now is the time to get vaccinated against the virus that usually results in fever, body aches, a sore throat and other symptoms.

In the United States, the number of people contracting the flu virus, or influenza, typically begins to rise in October. The contagious respiratory illness spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the virus cough, sneeze or talk.

So far, only localized flu outbreaks in the United States have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Texas, the CDC's online Weekly Influenza Summary Update indicates only sporadic insistences. Flu activity is low in the Bay Area, Pasadena and Pearland/Friendswood region, say local health experts.

That doesn't mean area residents should be lackadaisical in getting their annual flu shots, however.

She said the flu can cause mild to severe illness. According to the CDC, influenza can sometimes be deadly, especially for young children and the elderly. During the 2014-2015 flu season, 19 children in Texas died with the virus, according to data provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services. That year's influenza season resulted in the third-highest number of reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths in a single non-pandemic flu season since the state reporting for the condition in 2007. According to the state health department, the number of deaths in the season fell behind the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 influenza seasons, in which 20 reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths.

The best way to prevent the flu, Nair said, is by getting a vaccine. The doctor is a volunteer with Love to Share Foundation America, a nonprofit organization that hosted its sixth annual Life and Soul Health Fair Sept. 10 in Manvel. The event allowed residents in Pearland and Manvel to obtain nearly 20 different screenings including free mammograms. A flu shot booth organized by Nair also issued 115 influenza vaccines free of charge to area residents.

The vaccines were funded by a $2,000 grant Nair applied for through the Texas Medical Association's Be Wise – Immunize program. The association's initiative offers subsidies for shot clinics that target children, adolescents or adults. Nair said the shot clinic was added to the health fair five years ago at the request of community residents.

The flu strain changes every year. This year, the vaccine is in production and more than 100 million doses have already been distributed to medical clinics and hospitals across the nation. The current vaccine will protect against influenza virus that research indicates will be the most common during the season, according to the CDC.

"It is a relatively new vaccination procedure," he said. "Last year, the flu vaccine was trivalent. With the quadrivalent, you get somewhat of a broader coverage."

Also, he said, there is plenty of the vaccine, which helps to build up a person's immunity to the virus using inactive strains. The vaccine usually prevents people from contracting the virus, however, even if a person becomes infected with influenza after receiving a shot, the number of days the person will have the flu is generally reduced, Nair said.

"The flu can last anywhere from a week to 10 days," she said.

In addition to being able to pass on the virus while sick, people may be passing on the virus to others before they even know they are sick. Most healthy adults, according to the CDC, may be infecting others one day before their own symptoms show up.

"If you think you have symptoms of the flu, see your health care provider," Nair said.

The Galveston County Health District recommends everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot. People age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for complications if they get the flu.

"Getting the shot before the peak of the season is best because it can take as long as three weeks to develop immunity after receiving the vaccine," said Eileen Dawley, the district's chief nursing officer, in a news release.

The county's health department tracks dozens of diseases and illnesses such as Zika, West Nile, chlamydia and rabies. The illness that consistently sickens the most people in Galveston County is the flu, Dawley said.

The district runs an immunization clinic at 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City and is stocked with this year's flu vaccine. Flu shots are $34 each. The clinic takes walk-in patients and accepts cash, check, and debit and credit cards. Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield are also accepted at the clinic.

Texas City and Galveston Coastal Health and Wellness locations also are stocked with the vaccine. The clinics offer the vaccine by appointment to registered patients.

1,000 shots at Red Bluff clinic

Harris County's public health and environmental services department operates a clinic at 3737 Red Bluff Road. This year the clinic received about 1,000 doses of the vaccine. As of Oct. 12, the wellness center has given 290 shots.

Flu shots at the clinic cost anywhere from zero dollars to $22, depending on household size and family income. The clinic offers flu shots to children 6 months old to 18 years old for $12.

Brazoria County operates clinics at 2436 S. Grand Boulevard, Suite 102, in Pearland and at 260 George St. in Alvin. Health department officials with the county didn't return a phone call regarding whether or its clinics provide flu vaccines. The county's website didn't list it among its immunizations.

Area pharmacies often offer flu shots. To find vaccine locations, visit www.texasflu.org. The state health department website allows users to search for flu shot providers using their ZIP codes.

"People have a lot of concerns about the flu vaccine," Nair said. "People have the impression that the vaccine will cause the flu and fear other risks. But the risks are very small compared to the chances of getting the flu."

If someone comes down with the flu after receiving a vaccine, it could mean they already been exposed to the virus before receiving the injection. Those who obtain the flu vaccine may experience slight achiness or soreness at the injection site that may last a day, but it isn't the flu, Nair said.

Those who do contract the virus should expect to be prescribed antiviral drugs. The drugs are different from antibiotics and may come in pill, liquid or inhaled powder form. Antiviral drugs, according to the CDC, can make shorten the time a person is down with the flu and can prevent flu complications such as the development of pneumonia.

And for those worried about returning to work after contracting the flu, Nair said, it generally is safe to go back to work after going 24 hours without a fever.

"If coughing, because that is how the virus is spread, they should take precautions," she added.

The CDC recommends persons with the flu limit contact with others to keep from spreading the virus. Those with influenza also should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, dispose of used tissue in the trash, and wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap is not available. Also, local health experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu germs.